Bisbee: Things to do

by Roger Naylor - Jul. 25, 2008 12:00 AMSpecial for the Republic

Things to do

TAKE A TOUR

• Archivist and historian Michael London blows the dust off the bones of Bisbee's colorful past during a fascinating walking tour. Dressed in frontier garb, London leads groups through the streets, regaling them with vivid tales. Learn about the father-daughter feud that led to escalating gymnasiums and find out what role the bar in the Bisbee Grand Saloon played in the Mexican Revolution. Tours leave hourly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the Convention Center, 2 Copper Queen Plaza, 520-432-3554.

• Wondering what the views are like from above the city? Take a Lavender Jeep Tour (520-432-5369) and rest your tired feet. The company offers a variety of narrated tours. Ramble up hidden back roads, discover mansions in lofty, cloud-scraping neighborhoods or catch a sunset over the San Pedro Valley.

• The granddaddy of Bisbee tours is the Queen Mine Tour (866-432-2071 or www.queen minetour.com). Outfitted in hard hats and slickers, visitors are led 1,500 feet deep into the tunnels for an up-close look at mining techniques, conditions and dangers. Tour guides are former miners, for an added dose of realism. You'll emerge with a new appreciation for your job.

GO SHOPPING

• Vibrant paintings line the walls of the Sam-Poe Gallery (24 Main St., 520-432-5338 or www.sam poegallery.com), contemporary work with an abstract flair and a fierce use of color. Whimsical wooden creations, many of them looking like they were kicked off the Island of Misfit Toys for shoplifting, fill the rest of the space.

• Twist (51 Main St., 520-432-3046 or www.bisbeetwist.com) features the work of 22 artists, including exquisite jewelry, paintings, purses and funky tin collages.

• PanTerra Gallery (54 Brewery Ave., 520-432-3320 or www.pan terragallery.com) presents a remarkable display of fine-art photography, big scenes that knock you back on your heels and pull you into the moment at the same instant.

• Belleza (27 Main St., 520-432-5877 or www.bellezagallery.org) looks like art galleries should, with lots of drama. Light pours through big windows as bold canvases reach almost to the soaring ceilings. And, as a bonus, the gallery owner usually keeps a plate of fresh-baked cookies on hand. Belleza is owned and operated by Renaissance House, a non-profit organization that helps women in need become self-sufficient.